News

BlizzCon 2009 Announced

Next edition of Blizzard's celebration of all things Blizzard returning to Anaheim.

A press release from Blizzard's European office in Paris, France today announced that the next BlizzCon, Blizzard's two-day fan-oriented convention, would be returning to the Anaheim Convention Center August 21st and 22nd. While specific details regarding the event were noticeably lacking in the press release, the announcement did say that participants would be able to get "hands-on play time with upcoming Blizzard Entertainment games," participate in discussion panels, play in competitive and casual tournaments, enter contests, buy new merchandise, and bid in a silent auction. All these activities have become standard and expected at BlizzCon based on the last three events. The event this year will expand from three to four halls in the Anaheim Convention Center.

BlizzCon is the annual (mostly -- there was no 2006 show) event where Blizzard invites their fans to get together for two days to talk with staff, get excited for new product releases, and wander the large halls buying up merchandise from a stable of licensing partners. It's also become one of the company's premier venues to make large product announcements. The 2005 show was where the first details on The Burning Crusade were unveiled, including the revelation that Blood Elves would be the new playable race. At the 2008 show, the big announcement was that StarCraft 2 was splitting into three seperate products. With the company skipping the annual E3 show this year, BlizzCon should take on even greater importance. As in years past, GameSpy will be there to cover the whole thing.

Allen says: Let the speculation commence! All credit to Blizzard, one of the best things its got going with the success of BlizzCon is the annual anticipation of whatever big announcement it'll be coming out with. My guess? A release date for StarCraft 2, updates on the new Lich King content, or new class information on Diablo III. I know it doesn't seem like huge info but I've been to every BlizzCon so far as well as the Worldwide Invitationals in Paris and Korea and if I've learned anything it's that everyone usually gets the big stuff (product announcements) right and the little stuff (product details) wrong.

This year it doesn't seem like the right time to make a big product announcement. StarCraft 2 is getting closer to release, hype of Diablo III is ramping up, and Wrath of the Lich King is just hitting its stride. Everyone knows that Blizzard is working on a new MMO, but announcing a big new product (whatever it is) would pretty much suck all the air out of the rest of Blizzard's line-up.

On a personal note, I'm looking forward to whatever goodie my hunter can drag around Northrend. My polar bear with the murloc on the front is simply awesome.